NC State recruiting needs

As he enters his third season in Raleigh, coach Tom O'Brien is close to reaching his recruiting goal of bringing in a balanced class every February instead of focusing on certain positions.

Ideally, the Pack would like to add four offensive linemen, four defensive backs, three linebackers, four defensive linemen, a quarterback and a tailback in every class, but defense was the main priority in this year's recruiting class. The biggest names they'll have to replace are on offense, where running back Andre Brown and tight end Anthony Hill will be graduating.

While NC State enters 2009 with arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Russell Wilson, Mike Glennon provides the only legitimate depth behind him, and if Wilson has another injury-laden season, Glennon won't have to wait long for his shot.

Of the 19 seniors departing, nine are from the defense, and both lines will lose key contributors, including offensive linemen Meares Green and John Bedics. The staff has gone after several recruits for the defensive line, as it loses Keith Willis Jr. and Antoine Holmes, and all four starters on the defensive line might be seniors next season. There's not a lot of young depth behind them right now.

The secondary will also take a hit with the departure of Jeremy Gray and J.C. Neal, and the Pack will need a replacement for Robbie Leonard at linebacker.